GPS Receivers & Geocaching Details

With support from:

NSF DUE-0903270

Prepared by:

in partnership with:

John McGeeJennifer McKee

Geospatial Technician Education Through Virginia’s Community Colleges (GTEVCC)

GPS ReceiverseTrex H eTrex

Venture HCeTrex

Legend HCxeTrex Vista HCx

eTrexOregon

550T

High sensitivity chip Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Geocaching friendly No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Area Calculation No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Color Screen No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Interface-USB/Serial Serial USB USB USB USB

Price (amazon.com) $85 $125 $190 $212 $509

What does “Geocaching friendly” mean?

For Garmin units:• Ability to download waypoint coordinates from

geocaching.com• GPS receiver has a geocache menu• Shows downloaded geocaches

– Many show if they have been found or not

• Can select “Go To” function which gives navigational directions towards geocaches

• Will also show any other information downloaded with the geocache in comment field

Introduction to Geocaching

• Geocaching is a high-tech entertaining adventure game for GPS users

• The idea is to “hunt” for hidden containers (geocaches) that have been placed in the landscape (virtual orienteering)

• Pick a prize from the geocache and leave a prize…• Geocaching is enjoyed by people of all ages, with a strong

sense of community and support for the environment

www.geocaching.com

Geocaching

• Geocache examples

Micro cache

Example of contents

Geocaching

• Create account on www.geocaching.com • Search for geocaches• Download geocaches to your GPS unit• “Hunt” your geocache• Sign logbook in cache• Take an item, leave an item• Return cache to exact position &

condition in which it was found• Write about your experience on

www.geocaching.com

Trackable Items

• Items that have a tracking number & can be followed on www.geocache.com (via GoogleEarth...)

Trackable Items

• Geocoins– Special coin created by individuals/groups

as a signature item/calling card– Has unique tracking ID

• Travel Bugs - A trackable tag that is attached to an item- The travel bug is a standard design

(a travel bug looks like a dog tag...)

Geocaching is fun... This activity is also a “teachable moment”

• The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program has developed a geocaching handbook that incorporates STEM-based learning with GPS

• This is available for download from the VCCS Geospatial Webportal, or from the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program Website (http://www.gep.frec.vt.edu... under the “cool tools” section)

• It is also accessible from the VCCS Geospatial Portal!

Geocoins & Travel Bugs

Establishing a New Geocache

• Do you need to start a new cache in order to be a geocacher? – Absolutely not! – There are already almost 1,100,000 established geocaches to choose

from! – There is likely an active geocache near your school already!– There are over 50 geocaches within a 3 mile radius of Virginia Tech!

Information & Tips for Creating a New Geocache

• If you do want to start a new cache, then there are some guidelines that you need to follow...

• http://www.wikihow.com/Create-and-Hide-a-Geocache • Are geocaches are allowed in your proposed location?

– If it is private property, you will need to get permission from the land owner

– Some park systems require permits, so check with park management to make sure a permit isn't required, or obtain one if it is.

– No geocaches on NPS lands!

Information & Tips for Creating a New Geocache

• Stock your cache – A few inexpensive & useful items– Dollar stores are popular places to get items

(gotta keep the Chinese economy going...)– If its trash throw it out, not in a cache

• Before hiding your cache, step back and consider what a non-geocacher might think if one were to see a stranger wandering that area with a GPS.

Any Questions?John McGee

Geospatial Extension Specialist

jmcg@vt.edu

540-231-2428

Jennifer McKee

Geospatial Project Developer

jmckee@vt.edu

540-231-9115